Knee pain help

[UniqueOpalSwan]

has anyone experienced the following and can help me with some advice?
My knee swelled to twice the size, and was exceptionally painful. I went to the Doctor Who prescribed painkillers and I thought it was arthritis. I therefore kept trying to use it as I’m aware that that is what you must do. It’s very stiff when I first stand up, but my problem is if I try and get moving it catches on the inside lower part. It’s almost like a ligament or something catches and the pain just shoots through my leg. There is no telling when it can happen for example, if I have done 20 steps the 21st step could be the problem. I therefore I’m very reluctant to use it and feel caught between a rock and a hard place. I’m dreading going back to work. Has anyone experienced this because I’m struggling to get any help from the Dr?

not using it will not make it better.

see a physio. ask if you need a referral to a rheumatologist.

do the prescribed physio exercises. weak knees hurt but you need exercises that you can do without making anything worse.

Yes totally get that so I am trying to walk but when it catches I literally fall over as it buckles so must admit I’m super scared of being somewhere I can’t get help

Try heat then swap to cold on your knee. You could also get a knee strap, Amazon is good! Also perhaps some crutches, also Amazon. I get that medial click pain in my knees sometimes too (I have psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia), it is a bit scary, so crutches are a good option. Use them as a walking aid, so opposite crutch forwards (opposite to leg that’s forward), as this can really help